Fluvoxamine (maleate) (DU-23000 (maleate)) is an antidepressant which functions pharmacologically as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Fluvoxamine (DU-23000) is effective in inhibiting 5-ht uptake by blood platelets and brain synaptosomes. The antagonism by fluvoxamine of the reserpine-induced lowering of the pentamethylenetetrazole convulsive threshold can be regarded as due to an effect upon 5-HT uptake. In contrast to the effects of desmethylimipramine and imipramine, no stimulatory effects are found in rats when rapidly acting reserpine-like compounds are given following a dose of fluvoxamine[1]. Fluvoxamine (DU-23000) appears to improve combat-related PTSD symptoms but not depressive symptoms. The high attrition rate and lack of a placebo group limits the conclusions of our study. Controlled studies of fluvoxamine in the treatment of PTSD are warranted[2]. Fluvoxamine (DU-23000) was less potent at decreasing ethanol self-administration when food was available concurrently versus when ethanol was available in isolation [ED50: 4.0 (2.7-5.9) and 5.1 (4.3-6.0)]. Effects on food were similar under each condition in which food was available. The results demonstrate that the potency of fluvoxamine in reducing ethanol-maintained behavior depends on whether ethanol is available in isolation or in the context of concurrently scheduled food reinforcement[3].
References:
[1]. Ginsburg, B.C., J.W. Pinkston, and R.J. Lamb, The potency of fluvoxamine to reduce ethanol self-administration decreases with concurrent availability of food. Behav Pharmacol, 2012. 23(2): p. 134-42.
[2]. Claassen, V., et al., Fluvoxamine, a specific 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake inhibitor. Br J Pharmacol, 1977. 60(4): p. 505-16.
[3]. Escalona, R., et al., Fluvoxamine treatment in veterans with combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Depress Anxiety, 2002. 15(1): p. 29-33.